EarthTainer

I built an EarthTainer™ on Sunday. Just like the guide says, I was able to find nearly all of the required parts at my local Lowe’s. The one exception is the 5” Net pot for the wicking basket. Next time I’m in Rogers I’ll stop by Anuway Hydroponics and see if they have it.

I went ahead and used the 10” square one that Lowe’s had. I’m hoping that this one minor detail change doesn’t screw the whole thing up.

I did make a few tweaks while building. I used zip ties instead of a wire rope clip for securing the tomato cages together. I zip tied the 4” PVC aeration bench supports to the bench so that they wouldn’t shift around while moving the box. I also zip tied the tomato cage legs to the aeration bench instead of using a wire rope clip.

I love zip ties and I have a lot of them. I’m also pretty sure they are cheaper than the clips.

I don’t even have a clue how long it took to build the thing. I kind of worked on and off most of the afternoon.

Here is the list of supplies that I bought.

Item

Quantity

Unit Price

Total

31 Gal Rugged Tote

2

$12.97

$25.94

4″ X 5′ S40 PVC Pipe

1

$7.12

$7.12

1 1/2″ X 5′ S40 PVC Pipe

1

$2.62

$2.62

3X50 Landscape Fabric

1

$9.92

$9.92

1 1/2″ S40 PVC Cap

1

$0.83

$0.83

1/8″ Wire Rope Clip

8

$0.48

$3.84

1/4″ X 1 1/4″ Fender Washers (pack)

1

$7.97

$7.97

3/16″ X 2″ Toggle Bolts (12 pack)

1

$3.98

$3.98

10″ Planter Basket

1

$3.94

$3.94

54″ Tomato Cage

2

$4.58

$9.16

Total:

$75.32

The estimated project cost for one EarthTainer™ is supposed to be around $33. It may seem like I’m way over budget, but keep in mind that some of the products listed above are not sold as single pieces. If I decide to build another one, I wont have to buy some of these parts again.

It was fairly easy to construct. I did deviate from the plans just a little though. I’ll have to post the notes I made while building the EarthTainer.
I’ve been studying over this stuff again and I think I can make further improvements.